HotelsMag October 2016 | Page 16

TRENDING

IMAGE and EXPERIENCE

People are seeking the instantaneous impact of a design project . These instant moments are mostly governed by a very strong image and perhaps a very theatrical vision … So people might be striving for a look but not necessarily the experience . I think the balancing act between the two is increasingly challenging .
“ The younger generation of designers – because information gets transmitted so easily – a lot of people only see design through images and not necessarily first-hand , and that has some kind of effect on the development of design . It ’ s very easy to design via Pinterest or Google , and
it ’ s easy to collage images together to create a scene , but it doesn ’ t go to the core experience .
Because design becomes an instantaneous tool , people forget that a lot of design takes years to realize . To be commissioned to work on a project , to complete it and be unveiled , is easily four to six years , and it takes a lot of endurance and persistence . The design needs to surpass the test of time .
“ I would encourage designers to travel and experience things more first-hand rather than relying on images .
– ANDRÉ FU , ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER WHOSE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE UPPER HOUSE IN HONG KONG AND YUYUAN RESTAURANT AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEOUL ( ABOVE )

NORTHERN LIGHT
R
Canopy Central , the brand ' s lobby area
Hilton Worldwide debuted its lifestyle brand , Canopy by Hilton , in a hot tourist destination that the company says is an even hotter lifestyle destination : Reykjavik , Iceland . “ We wanted to take the emphasis off building capital-intensive , high-design hotels and instead focused on creating
a comfortable stay with local touches and more included value ,” the company says .
Touches at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre , which opened in July , include natural design materials in a gray and blue palette , reflecting the island ’ s dramatic landscape ; guestroom music
boxes that play an Icelandic lullaby ; complimentary bicycles ; and more casual breakfast offerings – either in the lobby or delivered via bag to the room . Next up for the brand : Dallas , Washington , D . C ., Portland , Oregon , and Bethesda , Maryland , all scheduled for 2017 .
12 hotelsmag . com October 2016